The Espy Acquittal

Updated Dec. 4, 1998 12:01 a.m. ET

Mike Espy's acquittal by a Washington, D.C., jury is being spun as mainly an argument against the Independent Counsel's office. The Independent Counsel is indeed a powerful institution of government, and we're always interested in discussing abuse of power. But first let's talk about Mike Espy.

Mike Espy used to be Bill Clinton's Agriculture Secretary. He resigned after being accused of taking gifts from business interests, such as Tyson Foods, that come under the purview of Agriculture's regulation. No one denies that Mr....